Midwest Living Review

Located in the historic Indiana Music Company building, swanky Chef Joseph’s at the Connoisseur Room looks plucked straight out of the 1960s—dark oak furniture and red velvet decor, Sinatra wafting from hidden speaker.

The menu at this executive-dining lunch and dinner spot changes monthly but always emphasizes local ingredients. Chef Joseph Heidenreich’s whimsical new takes on old favorites successfully marry ingredients you wouldn’t normally expect to see together. For instance, the sushi burger is a hamburger topped with avocado, cream cheese, peppered bacon and wasabi mayo, and a simple flatbread appetizer features jamlike tomato chutney, roasted garlic puree and blue cheese.

The freshness of the food shines through in every course. A chicken breast with prosciutto and Swiss cheese was good, although the cheese got a bit lost in the red wine sauce. Corn polenta was smooth and slightly sweet thanks to an unexpected orange garnish. Desserts include the likes of custard topped with perfectly ripe berries and Godiva chocolate cheesecake. Prices are reasonable for food of this caliber: Expect to pay $5 to $10 for an appetizer or salad, $10 to $17 for an entree. Desserts ring in under $10.